Biking the whole trail...
- + I plan on biking this trail in September in it's entirety. I checked out guidebooks at my library, but none of them really give a GUIDE or PLAN for biking the whole trail...they really just tell you m...
Discussion started 06/08/2006 09:57 AM by Danielle - 13 replies (last reply by Sarah at 08/04/2006 01:52 PM)Danielle from St. Louis on 06/08/2006 09:57 AM
I plan on biking this trail in September in it's entirety. I checked out guidebooks at my library, but none of them really give a GUIDE or PLAN for biking the whole trail...they really just tell you mileage and what there is to see in each town.
I want to know how long it's going to take to bike the trail at a regular pace, and have a plan for which towns I will be stopping in (we plan on camping).
If anyone has biked this entire thing from West to East, then let me know if you kind of have a "day by day plan" that I could use. I'm a beginner to mapping out trails.
GMD from Belton, mo on 06/08/2006 11:10 AM
In my opinion "The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook, All New, Updated & Revised 8th Edition America’s Longest Rails-to-Trails Project" by peeble publishing is the best guide book on the market http://www.pebblepublishing.com/complete_katy_trail_guidebook.htm I didnt see any sugested intineraries but here is tow possble easy plans:
Day 1 Clinton to Sedalia 35
Day 2 Sedalia to Boonville 35
Day 3 Boonville to Jefferson City 68
Day 4 Jefferson City to Hermann 42
Day 5 Hermann to Marthasville 23
Day 6 Marthasville to St. Charles 38
East to West 5 Day
Day 1 Clinton to Sedalia 35
Day 2 Sedalia to New Franklin 42
Day 3 New Franklin to Hartsburg 35
Day 4 Hartsburg to Hermann 56
Day 5 Hermann to St Charles 64
Good luck, half the fun is learning and planning about the trail!
Scott Brawner from Kirksville on 06/08/2006 01:16 PM
My roommate and I are planning on riding the trail in a couple weeks. We are planning on riding it a bit more aggressively than the guides recommend going approximately as follows:
Clinton to New Franklin (75 miles)
New Franklin to Portland (75 miles)
Portland to Marthasville (37 miles)
Marthasville to St. Charles (38 miles)
We are going to camp a couple nights and stay in hotels a couple nights. We wanted to design it so we had a couple longer days early while we still had a lot of energy. Also, in case it rains one of the first couple days and we deside to be lazy we will still be ok. Hopefully we will be able to get a couple good days of biking and a couple days of sight seeing and small town exploring. If anyone knows of some neat places to stop and visit along the eastern half of the trail, we would appreciate it.
Nails on 06/09/2006 02:24 PM
To help us know what you consider a regular pace:
1) How far would you go in a day and how fast on a road ride?
2) What's the longest ride you've done in the last year?
You've already seen 6, 5 and 4 day plans. I've done 3 and 2 day trips. And there are a handful who have done it in a single day. Probably others that have done it in a week or more. I'll admit the 1 and 2 trips are not "regular pace".
Troy Ratliff from Jonesboro, AR on 06/09/2006 02:25 PM
Hermann and any of the wineries are good places to visit.
Danielle from St. Louis on 06/09/2006 03:55 PM
We'd like to do it in about 5 days. I exercise doing cardio an hour every day, but my counterpart isn't quite so up on his "training." We figured 5 days would be do-able. About how many hours of riding per day do you estimate that is?
Nails on 06/09/2006 04:11 PM
To answer your question, I still need to know what's the farthest you've ridden in a day and how fast you rode it. You say that you do an hour of cardio per day and that is remarkable. However, running, swimming, steppers, ellipticals, and even recumbents are not the same thing as time in the saddle. If you don't average at least 5 hours per week in the same saddle that you ride on the KATY, you'll been in for an unpleasant ride and you can skip the birth control in my recommended pack list. That applies to your partner too.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 06/09/2006 04:51 PM
Looks like another higher math problem to me. If you would "like to do it in about 5 days", and it's 225 miles...that's bout 45 miles per day. At a mere pace of 10 miles per hour.....you can ride those 45 miles in 4.5 hours. With several more hours of daylight than that in each 24 hour period, you should have plenty of time for enjoying the trip.
Very good point made by Nails. Make sure your hind quarters knows your saddle well. The best preparation for saddle time is saddle time.
sbikes from Kansas City on 06/10/2006 07:33 PM
Ditto. No one else can plan this for you. Time in the gym does not equal time in the saddle.
Get out and do some day trip rides and see how you do. Ride two or three days in a row.
Make sure you are comfortable on your bike. Don't push yourself too far the first day and be
too sore to have fun the next day. Better to start the trip with few miles and end with more
daily miles. Use the guidebooks you have to see where you can find lodging and plan around
that. Also, if you don't know how, take your wheel to a bike shop and do a couple trial runs
at changing the tubes. Better to be prepared and not have to do it then not. Have fun!
Paul from Chesterfield,MO on 06/11/2006 09:36 PM
Hi Danielle, you might also take a 2 day trip and camp at Klondike or at Scenic Cylcles(free) or Choo Choo(5$) and ride back from Marthasville to Creve Coeur Park or St. Charles just to get a feel for what's a comfortable pace for you and your partner. You will get a chance to camp together and try out some of your gear. I would ride the trail at least for 35 miles a few days in a row to get a feel for your pace and to get your seat ready for your bike's seat. If you do a little preparation you will have a very enjoyable experience. Good luck,
Paul
ET from Columbia on 06/14/2006 08:53 AM
I think 35 to 50 miles per day makes for very comfortable riding, with plenty of time for stops. We like to plan a fairly short day in the middle of our trips--this gives us a rest and more flexibility. Possible good stops for camping would include the Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin or Katfish Katy's in Huntsdale, and the campground at Bluffton looks nice. Klondike Park at Augusta also looks good.
Dave S from Morristown, TN on 06/15/2006 09:07 PM
Last month four of us (each over 50 yrs. old) rode our recumbents the entire west to east trip, plus the side trail to Columbia and many of the small towns and communities along the way. We stopped at nearly every sight-seeing spot and trail marker board. We got a group pic at every depot and trailhead on the entire 225 miles. Between the four of us, shot over 1000 pictures. We took our time and had a fantastic, relaxing trip. Started on Sunday about 10:30am after a tremendous breakfast in Clinton, and continued the same time each morning generally following a breakfast spread at a B & B that kept us from lunch hunger until mid-afternoon. Arrived St. Charles about noon Friday, so figure five and a half days. Be sure to fill up on plenty of water at every opportunity.
LEW FISK from GREENWOOD, INDIANA on 08/04/2006 12:29 PM
I am coming to Hermann, Mo to ride the KATY on the 13th, 14th and 15th of August. I am going to ride about 55 - 60 miles each day, and I can't wait to see one of the most talked-about trails that I know of. I have ridden the Little Miami Trail in Ohio from Cincy to Urbana (just north of Springfield) 82 miles. So all of the great stories I am reading about the KATY has gotten me excited.
Sarah from Denver on 08/04/2006 01:52 PM
All great comments--just wanted to add mine to the stew. We biked the Katy in June 05--took 6 days and felt we could have easily done it in 5 or aggressively in 4. If you go west-east, it's mostly downhill, after all. It's not much, but you can tell. We're in our 50's, I bicycle a lot, my husband not as much. Best places to stop in our opinion are Sedalia, Pilot Grove, Boonville, Rocheport, Augusta and maybe Hermann except for the bridge to get there.
Shade ???
- + Can someone tell me how shaded the Katy is? I plan to ride from Sedalia to St Charles soon, but the MO heat is 100 degree everyday this time of year. Thanks, Paulie
Discussion started 08/02/2006 11:00 AM by Paulie - 9 replies (last reply by Paulie at 08/03/2006 11:26 PM)Paulie from Knoxville TN on 08/02/2006 11:00 AM
Can someone tell me how shaded the Katy is? I plan to ride from Sedalia to St Charles soon, but the MO heat is 100 degree everyday this time of year. Thanks, Paulie
Anonymous on 08/02/2006 12:06 PM
It can be a bit steamy in Missouri this time of year. I'm more familiar the MKT trail near Columbia, MO and a portion of the Katy trail near Rocheport along the Missouri River. In these areas there is plenty of trees to shade the trail. Although I imagine parts of the trail are through farm land and may not be so shaded. With a lightweight hat, a little sun screen, and water you should be fine. You may also want to carry a lightweight rain jacket.
anon on 08/02/2006 04:19 PM
From Sedalia to Boonville you will encounter a fair amount of open farmland where you will be in direct sun. After Boonville it will usually be shaded. During the summer it's a good idea to get on the trail early in the morning so you can get some miles in before it gets too hot. After 3pm or so, the trail will be pretty well shaded, so it's good to plan a lunch or break in an air conditioned establishment when the sun is directly overhead.
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 08/02/2006 06:09 PM
Weldon Spring to Matson is quite shady, there re stretches further west that are long and open heading towards Dutzow. Marthasville to McKittrick is fairly shady.
Clark on 08/02/2006 06:30 PM
Augusta to Treloar is pretty much all open, in that 15 mile stretch about 5 or so miles are covered, that's it.
Also, between Augusta and Dutzow there're about 4 miles where the trail's raised above even the level of the corn, and the wind just whips around. It's hard riding, and there's no shade, and no places to stop.
Sarah McGregor from Denver on 08/02/2006 08:23 PM
There is a fair amount of shade, but remember that at midday the sun is directly overhead--and you will feel it on the Katy. I don't know how sensitive you are to heat, but being from Colorado, we found it to be tough in June '05. We found the only way to beat it was to start really early--say 6:30 AM--rest midday and maybe pedal some more late afternoon. I'd recommend going in spring or fall.
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 08/03/2006 09:38 AM
Thanks for the help everybody. I do plan to do most of my ride in the morning. I figure at 12-15 mph I should knock out most of my daily ride by noon. By the way-Great web site-its the reason I'm coming all the way from East Tennessee to ride the Katy!
Wayne from Columbus OH on 08/03/2006 07:45 PM
This site is fantastic and the most helpful I have seen. We are planning a West/East trip the end of Aug, that probably would not have happened without this site. East Tennessee? Have you been on the VA Creeper trail? To date it is my favorite, even the climb to Whitetop.
frank from festus on 08/03/2006 10:22 PM
wayne, from columbus, ohio
could you e-mail me at cleo-beo@earthlink.net
you will get it returned on spam, don't resend, i'll still get it. may take me a couple of days to get back to you. thanx, frank
Paulie from Knoxville TN on 08/03/2006 11:26 PM
Yes, I have been on the VA Creeper. Great ride. Its a shame its not any longer than it is.
Gear transport
- + My friend and I are experienced cyclists and really don't have any questions about riding the trail.
We, however, would rather not travel self-contained.
Is anyone aware of organized rid...
Discussion started 07/22/2006 03:01 PM by CEM - 6 replies (last reply by Lois at 08/03/2006 09:23 AM)CEM from Spokane, USA on 07/22/2006 03:01 PM
My friend and I are experienced cyclists and really don't have any questions about riding the trail.
We, however, would rather not travel self-contained.
Is anyone aware of organized rides that transport your gear from town-to-town (and, perhaps make lodging or camping arrangements for you)? A commercial outfitter might be OK, but we would rather consider a non-profit group, municipal parks department or something similar.
The prefered time for our ride would be October 2006, or April/May 2007, but we would consider anything.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 07/22/2006 06:04 PM
There are a few rides listed on this website. Near the bottom of the Home page, go to Organized Rides. I can't speak personally for any of these as I only ride self supported, enjoying the freedom to come and go as I please.
Enjoy!
CEM from Spokane, USA on 07/22/2006 09:55 PM
Thanks "Trek".
sbikes from Kansas City on 07/23/2006 08:53 AM
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources sponsors a week long, supported ride every
year. Everyone I have ever known to go on it has had a great time. It is camping, but they
provide meals, transport all the gear and have a shower truck so there is a shower available
at the end of every day to wash away the grime. It is very affordable and great fun.
Mark of the Dalton Boys from Austin, TX/Columbia, MO. on 07/25/2006 02:48 PM
If this is Spokane as in Washington State, the city has a unique entity called "Bike Buddies" wherein people interested in bike commuting are paired up with an experienced cyclist who "shows them the ropes". Very active program that is helpful, not haughty and there is no hidden comment herein. Regards......Mark of the Dalton Boys
russ from Jefferson City on 07/25/2006 03:29 PM
we do a 3 day trip every year, and enjoy staying in the B&Bs along the way - you might consider that as an option
Lois from Iowa City on 08/03/2006 09:23 AM
In 2002, I took the supported trip of the Touring Cyclist (St.Louis) and was very, very happy with that. It is a reasonable price, the accomodations were fine - several basic motels and several nicer ones, the food was great and the guides were great. They still offer the same trip in Sept. Assuming they still provide the same service, I would highly recommend them. A special thing is that you start in St. Charles with a train trip to Sedalia which is a beautiful ride on the opposite side of the river from the KATY and equally beautiful. I plan to use them again for this trip sometime.
Katy Trail
- + Hi! I am wondering what I should clean my bike chain with after riding a very dusty trail. I am planning a ride on the Katy the secind weekend in August and need to prepare my bike. Also, would you...
Discussion started 07/31/2006 01:59 PM by clueless - 7 replies (last reply by Lois at 08/03/2006 09:16 AM)clueless on 07/31/2006 01:59 PM
Hi! I am wondering what I should clean my bike chain with after riding a very dusty trail. I am planning a ride on the Katy the secind weekend in August and need to prepare my bike. Also, would you recommend taking along an extra chain on the trail? Thank you very much.
frank from festus on 07/31/2006 03:34 PM
clueless, probably not a bad idea. i have never done it, but also havent gone very far away from my vehicle either. however which way you go, good luck and have a fun ride and be safe.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 07/31/2006 04:52 PM
I would either go to Dick's Sporting Goods if there is one local or follow the Nashbar link on this website and get a Pedro's chain cleaning kit. It includes a scrubber mechanism, a brush, degreaser, and lube. All of which is very easy to use. I usually lube my chain periodically while on the trail.....when it "klunks" when shifing grears its time to relube. Once home I give the chain and gears a good degreasing and then relube. Doubtful that you need to carry a spare chain. I'd guess that if you decide to, know how to put it on anyway.....little good it will do if you are clueless in that arena.
Flint from Columbus on 07/31/2006 05:17 PM
I would recommend a "dry" lube. I presently use White Lightning, however I am told Finish Line "green cap" is better (less frequent application). We ride a lot packed stone trails every season, I was surprised at the difference in gunk buildup, changing from a wet to a dry lube made. We plan to do a West to East Katy trip the end of Aug.
sbikes from Kansas City on 07/31/2006 05:59 PM
A dry lube is absolutely the way to go on the Trail and off. White Lightning is my choice as
well. Support your locally owned and operated bike shops! I see no reason to carry an extra
chain...unless you just want to carry around extra weight. Carry a couple spare tubes and a
pump and you should be just fine (make sure you know how to use them...again, your local
bike shop can help you with that). Sharon
wildflowers on 08/01/2006 11:22 AM
Thank you all for the great suggestions. I will take them. This is such a wonderful site, everyone is always willing to suggest things and the pointers and tips are fabulous. Thanks again.
Shannon
Anonymous on 08/02/2006 03:44 PM
As others have mentioned, it is probably not necessary to carry a whole chain along, but I carry a few extra links and a small chain tool in my tool bag.
Lois from Iowa City on 08/03/2006 09:16 AM
Last time I rode the KATY ('04), I used White Lightening and it worked VERY well. I would highly recommend it. I talked my companions into using it and they were very happy with it. Start with a clean chain when you first use it.
Birk's Gasthaus
- + This B&B is worth the money. If you are visiting Hermann, Mo, this is where I'd stay. Super owners, clean accommodations, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere. Rick and Dianne are extremely helpful ...
Discussion started 07/27/2006 07:48 AM by Larry from the Ozarks - 1 reply (last reply by Dan at 08/02/2006 09:43 PM)Larry from the Ozarks from Springfield Missouri area on 07/27/2006 07:48 AM
This B&B is worth the money. If you are visiting Hermann, Mo, this is where I'd stay. Super owners, clean accommodations, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere. Rick and Dianne are extremely helpful with their recommendations for area sights and eateries. Check the place out.
Dan from St. Charles on 08/02/2006 09:43 PM
My wife and I stayed at Birk's Gasthaus. I highly recommend it. We had a great time there. It was clean and very comfortable. Not "too girlie" like some B&B's. Rick was a great cook and a fun guy to be around. Breakfast was soufle with maple sausage one day and crepes with ham the next. Mmmmmm! Pleanty to eat. Also Rick made brownies one night and cheesecake the next. Rick was very helpful with the bike also. He even loaned us equipment in case we got a flat on trhe trail. I plan to stay there again and ride the Katy from Treloar to McKittrick.
Water availability
- + I am curious: Do all the trail heads have drinking water available now? If not, which? Also, does anyone have any thoughts on other places to refill water bottles along the trail?
Discussion started 07/31/2006 01:34 PM by GC - 6 replies (last reply by Clark at 08/02/2006 06:26 PM)GC from Columbia, Mo. on 07/31/2006 01:34 PM
I am curious: Do all the trail heads have drinking water available now? If not, which? Also, does anyone have any thoughts on other places to refill water bottles along the trail?
frank from festus on 07/31/2006 03:36 PM
g c, i beleive the majority of them do, at least the ones i have been to does. hope this helps.
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 07/31/2006 03:40 PM
I know that Clifton City does not, as it was an issue for other riders as I was passing through this Spring. There are stores in the town, but this particular day was a Sunday and none were open. I'd make sure to top off your camel at every opportunity.
Dwight The Troubled Teen on 08/01/2006 11:17 AM
On the contrary, I rode the entire trail and perhaps only 10 percent of the trailheads have a water fountain. The rest of them have the permanent equivalent of a porta-potty (Translation: Fancy hole in the ground.) Not even a place to wash hands.
On the East end of the trail there is no water fountain at any of the trailheads between St. Charles and Dutzow. That's a long darn way.
The ONLY water/refill/beverage opportunities between St. Chuck and Dutzow are Defiance and Augusta.
GC from Columbia, Mo. on 08/01/2006 01:41 PM
Thanks for the info!
Ok, now on to part two: Are the bars and assorted stores/restaurants pretty good about letting patrons fill water bottles? I am mainly concerned about each end of the trail. I am pretty familiar with the central sections.
Also, I don't need to have a water fountain per se, but what about spigots at the trail heads?
Missouri Joe from O'Fallon, MO on 08/01/2006 10:27 PM
I have yet to find water at the trailheads of either Augusta or Defiance, however, both towns have business that sell beverages. The Augusta brewery usually has a large cooler of cold water for bottle filling. Don't rely on vending machine either. I've run across ones that are either empty or refuse to take dollar bills. On hot days, carry as much water as you can.
Clark on 08/02/2006 06:26 PM
Yeah, the only trailhead with water between Weldon Spring and Treloar is at Dutzow as has been mentioned before. The workers at the Peers Store will gladly fill whatever you need, so you can stop there. The other suggestions also work.